Australian Shepard

Question
QUESTION:  Background: We are considering getting an aussie.Because we like active dogs, smart effectionate.  Our last dog, english springer spaniel was a family memeber for 15years. So the aussie would be or we would want him.her to be with us as much as possible affectionate?.We have three boys, twins 19, college, 15 year old around all the time when not in school. 2acres of ground, some could be fenced,  So the questions.
1. Four days a week, the aussie would be alone, 7:30 to 3:30 Is this too much time alone for this breed. They would have their own room, or the house when older. ?
2. A lot of activity friends over kids, adults, etc so socialization important? If we socialize early is this a problem . Can they handle it  
3. I walk when weather permits 2 to 3 miles a day at least 4 or 5 days per week,  I assume aussies can handle that?
4. Our sons are cross country runners,  running 2 3 or more miles many times a week can auusies do that .  
Currently have two house cats, if we get aussie puppy around them when he/she is young will they accept the cats
Prior to the springer we had a golden for 10 years. Both were just like having another affectionate kid, companion, this is what we want.

ANSWER: 1. Four days a week, the aussie would be alone, 7:30 to 3:30 Is this too much time alone for this breed. They would have their own room, or the house when older. ?

Some Aussies can handle being alone for that length of time, as long as they get sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.  But, I would caution you that some Aussies will dream up their own jobs left for this length of time.  This is a working breed and a walk around the block each morning and night just isn't enough for most of them.

2. A lot of activity friends over kids, adults, etc so socialization important? If we socialize early is this a problem . Can they handle it

Some Aussies will be fine with it - others decide that not everyone is a friend.  They tend to bond to the family, and not just to one individual as happens often with German Shepherds, but they are a dog with very strong herding and guarding instincts, and if you get one of the guardy ones, they will not think favorably about your guests just because you think they should.  Early socialization is mandatory, and I would say that should continue well into adulthood.  But, it still isn't any guarantee that you will have a dog that is friendly with all.  The breed standard, in fact, allows for a dog that is reserved with strangers. They are great problem solvers and very biddable (highly trainable), so it is possible to install a "shut off switch" (otherwise how would the farmer call them off the cattle, right?) but it requires a strong commitment to training.  They do best with positive training, and clicker training, and not with punitive methods, but you should start very early and continue, again, through adulthood for the best result.  The comings and goings of a busy household can be disconcerting for a dog that is born to "stop movement" and "keep all the butts together", but that isn't to say that it can't be done.  However, lots of Aussies end up in rescue because the owners didn't know how to train them not to nip and herd the children.

3. I walk when weather permits 2 to 3 miles a day at least 4 or 5 days per week,  I assume aussies can handle that?

If that's all you did, your Aussie would be bored LOL.  You may need to add a game of fetch or frisbee to keep things interesting:-))

4. Our sons are cross country runners,  running 2 3 or more miles many times a week can auusies do that .  

Once their growth plates have closed, yes they certainly can.  Aussies are versatile dogs, high energy, and workaholics.  They usually take short breathers and are up and ready to work again.

Currently have two house cats, if we get aussie puppy around them when he/she is young will they accept the cats

Don't know.  Usually they will accept their own cats, but you wouldn't want to trust them around others.  However, there are some that are quite willing to pester/herd the cats mercilessly.

Prior to the springer we had a golden for 10 years. Both were just like having another affectionate kid, companion, this is what we want.

Aussies are very affectionate, but they lack the "Lassie" gene and are not like little humans.  They take work and training, and can get into lots of trouble if they don't get it.  If you want an easy dog, this isn't it.  Better to stick to the retrievers and spaniels for that.
If you do decide on an Aussie, be aware that the show lines tend to be calmer than the working lines (working line dogs belong in herding or performance homes, usually not as casual house pets).  But, the Aussie gene pool is quite small, and epilepsy runs in the breed, as does hip dysplasia and eye problems.  Be absolutely sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder.  Do not buy an Aussie from a pet store, from the Internet puppy mill sites, or from anyone who doesn't give you a five generation pedigree, proof of OFA, CERF or PennHip on the parents of the puppy, and a lifetime guarantee on the pup (reputable breeders will take the pup back and rehome it if, for any reason, you cannot care for it.
Here are some sites you may want to check out:
http://www.australianshepherds.org/ (parent club, AKC)
http://www.asca.org/ (My working style Aussie is registered here)
http://www.ashgi.org/color/ (info on Aussie coloration)
http://www.pinciecreek.com/ (some of my dog's ancestors live here)
http://www.aussierescue.org/ Aussie rescue - some of these dogs have been evaluated for temperament, so you would know what you were getting to some extent)
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/austshepherds.html
Reputable breeders: Leslie Frank propwashfarm@verizon.net phone 603.772.4635.  
http://www.paradoxaustralianshepherds.com/
http://lonestar.texas.net/~shalako/index.html
http://www.mikatura.com/ (working)
Is an Aussie right for you?
http://www.mikatura.com/isanaussierightforyou.html
http://www.lizpalika.com/rightdog.html
http://www.asca.org/Finding+an+Aussie/Is+an+Aussie+for+You
http://members.aol.com/arphinc/aussie.html

You may think I am trying to discourage you.  I'm not.  This is my chosen breed, and I consider them smart (brilliant, in fact), affectionate (to family and known friends), energetic (like to do sports, your Aussie will love to come along), and the most amazingly trainable dogs alive (I even think they are as smart, or smarter, than Border Collies).  But, in the wrong family, they can be mischievous, dangerous, bored, and destructive.  So, those of us who love the breed want them to have families that are just as committed to them as we are.  I'm happy whenever someone exhibits that level of commitment.  These are dogs that can make you very happy doing obedience, agility, tracking, flyball, disc, or even dancing with dogs (canine freestyle).  But, they are not couch potatoes, or likely candidates for therapy dog of the year (although some do very well at that, and some are working as service dogs, too).  If, after you do all your research, you settle on this breed, I'm very happy to help you with any questions you may have on training, behavior, finding a breeder, rescue, etc.  Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the quick response. I understand the excerise issues in addition to running and walking  would  use , throwing fresbie, etc would not be a problem. would be fun  I don't know what flyball is?    I would also be willing to do some agility work to keep them excersised, but not sure about it at a compitition level.
One question regardless of breed, what is your opinion of these invisable fence i see advertised alot.  Not sure I would want to do that seems like it would be a lot for a dog to have around it's neck, ( sensor ?? )
Actually i would be interested in your advise after i read some of the web sites you gave me.   Is the best way to get a hold of you through this site or is there an alternative email.
Thanks
Keith

Answer
I don't mind answering you through this site.  I am not a big fan of invisible fence.  (www.trulydogfriendly.com will have more info on I-fence and shock collars in general) With prey driven dogs, you often find that, despite training, there may be something tempting enough to lure them through the fence.  Then, they are afraid to come back, or afraid to be in the yard.  Also, when Aussies can see through the fencing, they sometimes start to "fence fight" or chase joggers along the fence line, etc.  Bad habit that can lead to worse things.  For Aussies, I prefer 6' solid fencing, and if the dog is a jumper/climber (some people think a lot of Aussies are - I have not had that experience with my own dogs, but know it occurs), then you might want a fence that slants inward at the top or has a "coyote roller" on top.  Speaking of coyotes, invisible fence doesn't keep them out, nor does it keep thieves, "bunchers" or dog fighters (looking for bait dogs) out.  To be honest, I never leave my dogs alone outdoors unattended.  Someone is always watching, or outside playing or training with them.
If a solid fence is too expensive for you, you can try deer fencing (www.bestfriendfence.com)  It comes higher than 6' if you need it, and you can stake it into the ground.
Flyball is this:
http://www.flyball.org/